Soundgarden @ Paramount Studios

When I rolled out of bed on September 27th, there were two surprises in store for me that I could have never expected. First, it ended up being the hottest day ever recorded in history in Los Angeles. Second, I would be going on a mini-adventure to obtain tickets and eventually attend an exclusive Soundgarden concert.

Sometime around 11, I received an e-mail that there was going to a secret Soundgarden concert in Los Angeles that night. You could get a ticket if you were a member of the mailing list and could get down to Amoeba Hollywood to get a ticket before they ran out. I figured with class I wouldn't be able to get out there in time, but decided to take a chance anyways. I hauled ass out there, to the sound of my engine making funny noises due to speed and heat, and dashed into the store, terrified that I was going to have gone all the way down there for nothing. I discovered that there were indeed tickets left, and I snagged my wristbands and info and headed home.

After cleaning up, I headed back out to Paramount Studios in Hollywood for the show. The show was part of a Guitar Hero: Legends of Rock launch party. When you walk into a party behind Gene Simmons, you know it's going to be a good night.

The studio lot was made to look like New York, with street vendors serving food, spots available to play the game, open bars... all you'd expect from a video game-sponsored party. I ran in, grabbed as many bottles of water as I could, and figured out where the actual concert would be. They recreated the infamous music venue CBGB, which is where the line was forming to see the show inside.

Forget free booze and food - I was here to see Soundgarden. I remained in line for almost an hour and half, on a still very hot evening, to only enter into a room that was even hotter than it was outside. After waiting a while more... it was finally time for the show. I honestly can't remember the last time I was that excited for a show. What happened after that has gone down as one of the best shows I've been to all year and perhaps one of the top shows I've ever attended. I grew up loving Soundgarden, but never getting the chance to see them, so this was a dream come true and one that was truly unexpected.

Here's hoping for a full blown tour... although I don't think anything would top this show.

Photos & videos below...

Photo Set:


Video of "Black Rain" (Performed live for the first time):



Video of "Spoonman":